Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in the world, and is now the second most populous country in Africa. It borders Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Kenya and the first traces of human evolution have been found in this fascinating country.
Ethiopia used to be known as the Aksumite Empire, a land said to have 13 months of sunshine. It is a country of extremes, you are on top of the Simein mountains or in the Danakil depression. Visitors marvel at the way Ethiopians have kept their beliefs and traditions alive.
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and grew almost naturally without urban planning until a few years ago. Now it has become one of the most developed and interesting cities on the continent.
It was founded by Emperor Menelik and has a population of about two million people. Addis Ababa lies at the foot of the Entoto Mountains, and is fringed by towering hills on all sides.
With more than 861 species of birds, Ethiopia proves to be a bird watcher’s paradise. The places to go bird watching are the Highland Plateau, Lake District, Entoto Lowland, Gefersa, Debre Zeit and Menagesha Forest. Gambella National Park is one of the least developed and rarely receives visitors.
Visitors should be aware that it poses a high risk of malaria, but was initially created to preserve the Ethiopian wetlands. Wildlife thrives in these conditions and there are around 154 species of birds. One such bird is the whale-headed stork, which is a white bird with an unusually large bill.
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and many tourists marvel at its splendor. It is the source of the famous Nile River, the same place from where its journey to the Mediterranean is marked. When you are there you can rent a boat and explore this magnificent lake.
Axum is one of the oldest cities in Ethiopia and the former capital of the Axumite empire that flourished over 3,000 years ago. This great city will leave you impressed when you see its obelisks or stelae. It is home to the 16th-century St. Mary of Zion Cathedral, the holiest church in all of Ethiopia, and locals say the original ark of the covenant rests here.
Lalibela is where King Lalibela left something behind after his death for the rest of the world to admire. It consists of eleven rock-cut churches, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It is carved out of a rock and protected by the environment.
A visit to these churches at any time will leave you with a lasting impression of this wonderful country. Many tourists visit during Genna (Christmas) or Timket (Epiphany) and are stunned by the events and have memories that last a lifetime as a result.
Ethiopia has had a lot of problems in recent years, but now it is working hard to develop its tourism industry. The money it generates helps stimulate the local economy and, as a result, helps improve the lives of its impoverished friendly population.